Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue
Cerulean Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #1f4db7, is a medium-dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of tranquility and openness. It is located in the blue hue range of the color spectrum, leaning towards a slightly cyan undertone. The color derives its name from the azure or sky-blue color of a clear sky. In color theory, Cerulean Blue is often associated with calmness, stability, and trust, making it a popular choice in branding and design. Its relatively low saturation gives it a subdued appearance, making it versatile for various applications. The RGB values for #1f4db7 are R:31, G:77, and B:183, while its CMYK values are C:83, M:58, Y:0, and K:28. It is also a popular choice for artistic representations of the ocean or sky.
The hex color #1f4db7, also known as Cerulean Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its relatively low luminance value of 0.14 makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, potentially failing WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements for text and interactive elements. For optimal accessibility, it's crucial to pair #1f4db7 with very light colors like white (#ffffff) or very light grays to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. When using this color for text, ensure that the text size is large enough to improve legibility. Alternatively, consider using a darker shade of blue to provide better contrast or reserve #1f4db7 for decorative elements where contrast requirements are less stringent. Always test color combinations with accessibility tools to verify compliance with accessibility standards and consider the needs of users with different types of visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4287f5
A slightly lighter shade of blue that maintains the cerulean feel while offering better contrast against white backgrounds.
- #0d3275
A darker shade of blue that offers significantly improved contrast and readability when used as text or for interactive elements.
- #2962ff
A vibrant blue alternative for designs that need a energetic feel.
Applications
Corporate Web Design
Cerulean Blue can be used to create a calm and trustworthy atmosphere in web design. It is often employed in the headers and navigation bars of corporate websites to convey professionalism and stability. The color evokes feelings of serenity and openness, making it suitable for websites in the healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. Consider complementing it with neutral tones to maintain a clean and modern appearance.
Fashion Design
In the fashion industry, Cerulean Blue is frequently utilized in casual wear and formal attire. Its versatility allows it to be incorporated into summer dresses, elegant blouses, and sophisticated suits. The color is often associated with a sense of peace and sophistication, making it a popular choice for designers looking to create garments that are both stylish and comfortable. It pairs well with both warm and cool tones, allowing for a wide range of creative combinations.
Nature Web Design
Cerulean blue is a good choice for backgrounds for websites for nature related topics. The usage as a background color may transport a user into a peaceful environment and encourages to stay on the website. In combination with natural images like flowers or trees the color may give a feeling of safety.